The submarine’s manufacturer, BAE Systems, had previously
planned the launch this year, but now says it will be “early next year”. The
company insists, however, that the problem with the quay will not cause any
further delays.

ONR raised its concerns in its latest quarterly report on
the Barrow shipyard covering April to June 2013. It has ordered BAE Systems as
the site licensee to investigate and report back on whether the quay is safe to
use.

“ONR placed a hold point on the launch of the next Astute class
submarine which will only be removed once the licensee can address and justify the
continued use of the aging wet dock quay,” the report said.

According to ONR, the quay is used to help commission the
Astute-class submarines. “Recent
surveys have indicated that there may be some deterioration in its structure,”
said an ONR spokeswoman. “As a result, the safety justification for use of this
facility is being reviewed by BAE Systems to ensure that it remains valid.”

ONR is now awaiting
an assessment from BAE Systems “which demonstrates that the activities can
be safely carried out.” It has also asked the company to consider any physical
improvements required to the dock structure “so that it remains adequate for
its future operations.”

The ONR spokeswoman
added: “Until BAE Systems' investigations have been completed, ONR cannot say
whether there will need to be a major programme of work. However, in the
interim, ONR has placed a hold on launch of the next submarine so that we will
have to be satisfied that the structure remains fit for purpose.”

In a report about a visit to the Barrow yard by the Duke and
Duchess of Cambridge in April, BAE Systems said that Artful was “due for launch
later this year”. The first two submarines in the much-delayed £9.75 billion
fleet, HMS Astute and HMS Ambush, are at sea, while another four are still
being built.

A spokesman for BAE Systems said: “We do not expect this to delay
the launch of the next Astute class submarine, which is scheduled for early
next year. As always, if any work is required to the wet dock quay, safety will
be a priority.”

Peter Burt from
the Nuclear Information Service, which monitors military activities, pointed
out that much of Britain nuclear infrastructure was decades old. “It’s showing
its age,” he said.

“Hundreds
of millions of pounds are being spent in secret each year as the Ministry of
Defence struggles to bring ageing facilities up to modern safety standards,
adding even more to the already enormous costs of the Trident replacement and
Astute submarine programmes.”